The 11th Annual Swim Hobbs Island open water swim through the Tennessee River hosted by the Team Rocket Triathlon Club (TRTC) will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The 5-mile swim will begin at 7:30 AM and the 1- and 2-mile swim will begin at 7:45 AM and 8:00 AM respectively. Swim Hobbs Island is entirely a fundraiser for The American Cancer Society. Thanks for supporting!
Packet Pick Up: Saturday, September 19, 2026
12:00-5:00 PM Fleet Feet Huntsville
Race day packet pick-up is available at the public boat dock from 6:00-7:00 AM
Race Day: Sunday, September 20, 2026
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM: Cap pickup and check-in at the public boat dock, 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE, between Forrest Paddle Boarding and Pit Stop Boat Ramp Parking.
6:45 AM: Mandatory kayaker safety meeting at the Old Madison County Marina
7:00 AM: Mandatory swimmer safety meeting at race start
7:00 AM: Kayakers for 5 mile swim begin entering the water
7:10 AM: National anthem at race start
7:15 AM: 5 mile swim lineup and final check-in
7:20 AM: 5 mile swimmers enter the water
7:30 AM: 5 mile race begins ***NEW TIME!
7:45 AM: 2 mile race begins ***NEW TIME!
8:00 AM: 1 mile race begins ***NEW TIME!
8:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Swimmers, kayakers, spectators, volunteers can enjoy complimentary food/drink
9:30 AM or as soon as results are finalized: 1 & 2 mile swim awards
10:00 AM or as soon as results are finalized: 5 mile swim awards
NOTE: 5 mile swimmers MUST complete the swim in under 5 hours (12:30PM) and MUST be at the tip of the island (the turnaround point) at 3.5 hours, or 11:00 AM. Race Director reserves the right to pull you after that time.
Course Description
5 Mile Swim: Around Hobbs Island
- requires the participant to provide kayak and kayaker-
This is a five mile circumnavigation of Hobbs Island that will start at the public boat ramp, 1000 Hobbs Island Rd SE, between Forrest Paddle Boarding (swimmer/spectator parking) and Pit Stop Boat Ramp Public Parking (volunteer parking). Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline and will swim clockwise around Hobbs Island and finish at the same location as the start. Because the first few miles and the last few hundred meters are against the river current, this swim may take longer than a typical 5 mile swim in the pool.
2 Mile Swim Event
This is a two mile out and back that will start at the same public boat ramp as the 5 mile swim start. Start will be at approximately 7:45 AM. Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline. Swimmers will swim upstream approximately 1 mile and then turn around. The finish location will be the same as the start. Because the first mile is against the river current, this swim will take longer than a typical two mile swim in the pool. Please be aware that this is NOT an event for beginner swimmers. You should be able to swim 2.5 miles continuously in a pool before tackling this 2 mile event.
1 Mile Swim Event
This is a one mile out and back that will start at the same public boat ramp as the 2 and 5 mile swim start. Start will be at approximately 8:00 AM. Swimmers will enter the water via a boat ramp on the shoreline. Swimmers will proceed upstream .5 mile and then turn around. The finish location will be the same as the start. Because the first half mile is against the river current, this swim will take longer than a typical one mile swim in the pool.
Current and Time Cutoffs
Current in the Tennessee River normally varies greatly because this stretch of the river is controlled by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) via flow rates from the Guntersville Dam. However, every year we submit a flow reduction request to TVA for the race. NEVERTHELESS, they do not have to honor this, and they may not, and we have minimal input into this decision. We are grateful that they are often able to do this for our safety and comfort. For your information, typical TVA-adjusted flow rates for this race in the past have been ~19,000 cubic feet per second, which translates to a very reasonable current for most open water swimmers. That said, be prepared to swim longer than a typical 1, 2 or 5 mile swim in the pool. The 5 mile time cutoff is the tip of the island at 3.5 hrs or 11:00 AM and finish by 5 hours or 12:30 PM. No time cutoffs for 1 or 2 milers, although the Race Director may pull you at any time if they feel that your safety is in question.
Temperature
Water temperatures in mid-September are typically in the mid-70’s. We encourage you to stay very well hydrated before and after, and to select an appropriate pace for your temperature and comfort.
Race T-shirts
Register by August 31 to guarantee your shirt size! We will order extra shirts, but we cannot guarantee you a shirt or the correct size unless you’re registered by August 31.
Spectators
There is a small spot near the swim start/exit for spectator, however, it is very rocky and uneven terrain, so please use caution. There is also viewing at Old Madison County Marina, which is more stable, but not accessible from the swim start/exit by foot.
Rules
- Swimmers must be at least 13 years of age. There are NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Swimmers may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower.
- If the water temperature is between 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards.
- If the water temperature is 84 degrees or above, participants may NOT wear wetsuits.
- Swimmers must wear issued swim cap.
- The following items are NOT allowed: fins, paddles, gloves, floatation devices, or audio devices. Swim bouys ARE allowed.
- Participants may use any stroke to propel themselves thru the water and may tread water or float, if needed.
- You may touch or hang onto a kayak for safety with no penalty against awards, but making forward progress with a kayak will be grounds for disqualification from awards. No touching other people other than incidental contact unless for safety reasons. Have your kayaker carry hydration and nutrition, and also carry extra nutrition with your kayaker in case this swim takes longer than you planned.
Kayakers
- ALL FIVE MILE SWIMMERS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN KAYAKER TO ACCOMPANY THEM. If you do not have a kayaker, you will not be allowed to swim. This rule is for your safety as the river will be open to boat traffic. Boats will be unable to see you if you are swimming alone.
- YOUR KAYAKER WILL NEED TO REGISTER ON THE SAME REGISTRATION SITE THAT THE SWIMMERS REGISTER ON (It will show a $0 balance at the end of registration). and specify who they are kayaking for. Your kayaker will receive a race shirt, as they are a vital part of this race. All of this is included in the race fee that the swimmer pays.
- KAYAKERS MUST WEAR LIFE JACKETS AT ALL TIMES.
- 5 MILE KAYAKERS ESPECIALLY: Here is a blog post by a friend of ours who is a very experienced open water marathon swimmer, sharing her tips and experiences on how to support your swimmer best. We recommend you review this! It’s simply fantastic! Thanks Sydne Didier!
Need a Kayak or Kayaker?
- If you want to register for the 5 mile swim and you need a kayaker or kayak, please email the RD at swimhobbsisland@gmail.com. When you register, enter UNKNOWN in the box requesting the name of your kayaker. We will do our best to link you up with a local kayaker.
Local Hotels
Thank you to our sponsors!
- Team Rocket Tri Club
- Fleet Feet Huntsville
- Edward Jones
